Junior Cycle
On entering CBC each student is assigned to a Year Head. The Year Head monitors the progress of the student, both academic and social. Parents who are concerned about the progress of their son or who wish routine reports on him are encouraged to contact the Year Head.
In addition, each class group (about 24 students) has a form tutor for their time over the six years in CBC. The tutor is responsible for the pastoral care programme for the group, including areas such as Health Education and Relationships and Sexuality Education. The tutor gets to know each student in the group well and is available to parents to discuss how their son is progressing in the school. The tutor-student relationship is viewed as an important aspect of school life in CBC as the relationship helps the students to develop positive bonds with staff at the college.
First Year is designed as an observation year during which pupils make the transition from Primary school to Secondary school. They are introduced to a range of new subjects and their progress is monitored during the year to establish the areas in which they show strength and the areas in which some help may be needed.
First Year is designed as an observation year during which pupils make the transition from Primary school to Secondary school. They are introduced to a range of new subjects and their progress is monitored during the year to establish the areas in which they show strength and the areas in which some help may be needed.
The core curriculum, which is taken by each pupil for the first three years leading to the Junior Cycle consists of Religious Education, Irish, English, Mathematics, History, Geography, a MFL (either French, German or Spanish) Civic, Social and Political Education and Science. In addition each pupil follows courses in Social, Personal and Health Education.
Other subjects to which pupils are introduced include Art, Business Studies, Home Economics, Music, Classical Studies and Technical Graphics.
These subjects are taken as introductory modules in 1st year. The courses in Art, Business Studies, Home Economics, Music, Classical Studies and Technical Graphics are planned so that pupils and parents will be in a position to make subject choices later in the term
Since First Year is an observation year, grading of students into A, B or C classes does not take place. Students are placed in a mixed-ability setting so that their strengths and weaknesses can be evaluated during the course of the year. At the end of First Year students are advised whether to take ordinary or higher courses in Irish and Mathematics.
Second and Third Year lead to the Junior Cycle and students continue to study the core subjects.
Classroom-Based Assessments (CBAs)
Classroom-Based Assessments (CBAs) are an important part of the Junior Cycle. They give students the opportunity to demonstrate their learning and skills through a range of activities carried out in the classroom over a set period of time. CBAs encourage active and meaningful learning, focusing on skills such as research, communication, creativity, and critical thinking. They are designed to support student progress and wellbeing, moving beyond traditional written exams to provide a more rounded picture of each student’s abilities.
CBAs are set by the NCCA and assessed by teachers in line with national guidelines, ensuring consistency and fairness across all schools
Other subjects to which pupils are introduced include Art, Business Studies, Home Economics, Music, Classical Studies and Technical Graphics.
These subjects are taken as introductory modules in 1st year. The courses in Art, Business Studies, Home Economics, Music, Classical Studies and Technical Graphics are planned so that pupils and parents will be in a position to make subject choices later in the term
Since First Year is an observation year, grading of students into A, B or C classes does not take place. Students are placed in a mixed-ability setting so that their strengths and weaknesses can be evaluated during the course of the year. At the end of First Year students are advised whether to take ordinary or higher courses in Irish and Mathematics.
Second and Third Year lead to the Junior Cycle and students continue to study the core subjects.
Classroom-Based Assessments (CBAs)
Classroom-Based Assessments (CBAs) are an important part of the Junior Cycle. They give students the opportunity to demonstrate their learning and skills through a range of activities carried out in the classroom over a set period of time. CBAs encourage active and meaningful learning, focusing on skills such as research, communication, creativity, and critical thinking. They are designed to support student progress and wellbeing, moving beyond traditional written exams to provide a more rounded picture of each student’s abilities.
CBAs are set by the NCCA and assessed by teachers in line with national guidelines, ensuring consistency and fairness across all schools